Hidden Dangers: Vacation Rentals at Risk in Cancun

Last year, only between 70 and 90 vacation rental units registered with the General Directorate of Civil Protection of Benito Juárez. This is a surprisingly low number when compared to the total number of vacation rentals in the city.

According to a report from the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, there were 8,833 active vacation rentals in Cancun as of January 31st this year. The majority of these rentals are full properties with an occupancy rate of 53 percent.

Antonio Riveroll Ribbon, director of Civil Protection, acknowledged that the number of registered rentals is small compared to the total operating in the city. He expressed concern that many of these unregistered properties, ranging from simple apartments to full houses, may lack necessary safety measures, especially given that they host tourists.

Ribbon explained that they currently lack the authority to impose sanctions on unregistered properties. However, they are working to gain this authority and ensure that all properties comply with regulations. He emphasized the importance of previously compliant properties renewing their registration promptly and expects to carry out operations this year.

Ribbon also stated that they certify service providers in matters of Civil Protection each year. This includes those who teach first aid courses and fire extinguisher management, among others. With the move towards digitization, the personnel assigned to verify documents will now focus on inspection visits.

He said, "With at least the same resources, we hope to optimize and double the personnel we have for inspection visits. We had between 18 inspectors and 12 more people are going to join us, we will have an average of 30 who can carry out physical inspections."